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Do we know what’s important?

For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus, there is no benefit in being circumcised or being uncircumcised. What is important is faith expressing itself in love.
Galatians 5:6 NLT
http://bible.com/116/gal.5.6.NLT

What is important?

Faith expressing itself in love.

In fact,  the Word of God tells us that the greatest of faith, hope, and love is love. I would say that clearly demonstrates that love is VERY important.

So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13 ESV
http://bible.com/59/1co.13.13.ESV

And after speaking about all of the spiritual gifts and the types of members of the body of Christ,  the Word of God tells us of a more excellent way as it transitions from 1 Corinthians 12 to 1 Corinthians 13.

But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.
1 Corinthians 12:31 ESV
http://bible.com/59/1co.12.31.ESV

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 ESV
http://bible.com/59/1co.13.1-3.ESV

And most of us don’t even know what love really looks like because the world tries so hard to sell us on lesser idols to set our eyes upon. The world wants to trick us into setting for anything less than the Holy Spirit of God. Can you understand how the enemies of God would be quite satisfied for us to never see past empty religion and grasp hill of a relationship with God, a spiritual bond with our Lord and Savior?

God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”
John 4:24 ESV
http://bible.com/59/jhn.4.24.ESV

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.
1 John 4:7-8 ESV
http://bible.com/59/1jn.4.7-8.ESV

But do we even know what real love looks like?

In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
1 John 4:9-10 ESV
http://bible.com/59/1jn.4.9-10.ESV

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.  Love never ends.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 ESV
http://bible.com/59/1co.13.4-8.ESV

And how do we know that we are His? How do we know if His Holy Spirit lives in us? How do we know if we are alive in Christ?

Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.  By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit.
1 John 4:11-13 ESV
http://bible.com/59/1jn.4.11-13.ESV

So it is faith that brings us to this point that we might receive this salvation and know God and turn our lives to follow Him –

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Hebrews 11:6 ESV
http://bible.com/59/heb.11.6.ESV

And it is by love that we know which master it is that we serve. For there are those who serve religion and idols that fall short of the glory of God instead of worshipping God in Truth and Spirit.

“Not everyone who  says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will  enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’  And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’
Matthew 7:21-23 ESV
http://bible.com/59/mat.7.21-23.ESV

We should ask ourselves,  what does the fruit of my life look like if we want to be sure that we know who it is that we serve.

So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.  A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit.  Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.
Matthew 7:17-20 ESV
http://bible.com/59/mat.7.17-20.ESV

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.  By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
John 13:34-35 ESV
http://bible.com/59/jhn.13.34-35.ESV

And the fruit of the Holy Spirit is very distinguishable and recognizable –

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23 ESV
http://bible.com/59/gal.5.22-23.ESV

This is why I emphasize the important difference between knowing ABOUT Jesus Christ and KNOWING Jesus Christ. This is not a mental exercise, it is not a religious exercise,  but it is a renewing of our heart and minds that comes when faith expresses itself in love.

Yes,  I would say that is quite important. I will tell you that your answer to that question has eternal consequences. Isn’t it clear to us now through the Word of God what is important?

Shouldn’t we ask ourselves what is important to us? Don’t we need to be honest with ourselves and fall at His feet, asking Him to have mercy on us and pray that He will teach us to love like, He loves – to fill our lives with his Holy Spirit – to awaken us from our sleep so that we might live and grow and be fruitful?

Go.
Live.
Be fruitful.
See His Love multiply.
This is the Good News of Jesus Christ.

hballingerLeave a comment

A man gives birth to children? How?

Oh, my dear children! I feel as if I’m going through labor pains for you again, and they will continue until Christ is fully developed in your lives.
Galatians 4:19 NLT
http://bible.com/116/gal.4.19.NLT

Paul was a man, but he talks to the Galatians about having labor pains. And he says that he’s having them again for his children. As Mandee and I read this verse for our devotional this morning,  she asked,  “Who is this talking?” And I told her this was Paul in his letter to the Galatians. Her next question was, we’re these his words to them or was he repeating Jesus’s words? She immediately realized, “At first, I was clearly reading this too literally. He is a man,  he can’t have labor pains.”

We then continued digging into what this verse was saying as I prodded her with questions about what it might be saying to us. And Mandee quickly Her that he is now feeling pain because they are not growing and maturing with Christ evident in their lives as Paul wished and she stressed the importance of spiritual growth as opposed to relying only upon a once upon a time yes or no acceptance of salvation.

So I asked,  why do you think that this is the second time that he is feeling pain? And she grasped onto the fact that he had first felt pain for them when they were lost and we’re not saved. Man,  I have to tell you,  it is so amazing to see my wife maturing in the Word of God,  learning to examine the divine instruction handed to us in the Scriptures and to rightly divide the Word of God,  learning to listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd and discern truth for herself.

You see, I have been blessed with the opportunity to have labor pains for my wife. My life was touched and I was called shortly before she was led to the Lord. And my very heart cried out for her soul because she was not yet seeking the Lord for a short while. But I did not judge her, I did not condemn her. I did not beat her up with scripture. I loved her and prayed for her,  and I made it my focus to be so loving and dedicated to both the Lord and her that she could not deny that my life had been touched. And some time later, she came to know the Lord.

And with the calling upon my life as is upon every Christian man to lead our family in our spiritual growth, I get to continue hoping and caring for both hers and, Mia’s spiritual growth. And it is so beautiful to see it in action, so much so, that it helps me see past their imperfections with a loving heart – not because I’m satisfied with where we are today,  but because I can see and know that He’s working on us,  that we are in the potter’s hands. So even when I see an imperfection, a visible crack on the outside of the cup,  a fault that causes me pain remembering that we are fallen and are not yet a perfect reflection of Christ – I am also encouraged to know that the Holy Spirit is clearly at work on the inside, because the cup is becoming more and more beautiful each day as my wife is drawn closer to the Lord – as our family grows and learns and loves together.

And we see and understand the message of spiritual maturity that Paul is tali about in this verse. It isn’t about knowing the scripture more and being able to review it or talk about it – but it’s about allowing Christ to live through us and in us. It’s not about our perfect attendance record on Sundays at a religious service,  it’s about His perfect attendance in our lives, touching our lives and the lives of those around us as we learn to care for and love others and have genuine concern over their salvation and the state of their spiritual walk with the Lord.

Do you think that Paul would have “labor pains” over people’s salvation if they were just a number to him? If they were just another spiritual notch in his belt of baptisms or raised hands or people who came to the altar to accept Christ? If he saw them as trophies or crowns to be earned for his own honor and glory? No, he had labor passions for these “children” of his because he loved them each. He cared for them as individual souls who have value and purpose and meaning in their lives.

And isn’t this the lesson of spiritual maturity? Not that we learn to practice religion better,  but that we learn to love and care about those lost and in need of salvation and those who are not yet living faithfully and mature in Christ. Not that we learn to exalt and honor one another with empty kisses, but that we learn to love each other enough to encourage each other to press on towards a spiritual maturity that sees past self and loves God and loves one another not just in our words but in deeds and actions.

God is so good. We are not meant to be a child forever. We are each meant to grow. We are each meant to go forth and sow the seed of Jesus Christ into the world. We are each meant to care and love for those around us in need. We are each meant to share the Good News of, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior through the testimony of our lives.

Are you not yet a Child of God, do you not yet know Him as your personal Savior? This isn’t a question of whether you know ABOUT Him,  but do you KNOW Him? If not, then I encourage you to pray with me –

Lord, I have heard your name before, and I have heard about you before, but I’m afraid that I don’t know you. Please,  Lord Jesus Christ, I ask you to come into my life and fill me with the Holy Spirit so that I might know how to love and serve God more by loving and serving others. I repent of my old,  sinful ways,  and ask for your forgiveness and your power to lead me not into temptation but deliver me from evil. I pray that your Kingdom will be come and your will be done in my life from this day forward – for your honor and glory,  I surrender my life to you. I pray this in your Holy Name,  Amen.

If you know Him,  but are still walking like a child today when you should by now be shortfall mature and teaching and leading and caring for your your brothers and sisters – may you remember the mountain of evidence that the enemy has stacked up against you and the price that was paid to cast that mountain into the sea,  to cast your many sins as far as the east is from the west,  and may you know the grattitude of the whore at the feet of Christ Jesus.

One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to have dinner with him, so Jesus went to his home and sat down to eat.  When a certain immoral woman from that city heard he was eating there, she brought a beautiful alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume. Then she knelt behind him at his feet, weeping. Her tears fell on his feet, and she wiped them off with her hair. Then she kept kissing his feet and putting perfume on them. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know what kind of woman is touching him. She’s a sinner!” Then Jesus answered his thoughts. “Simon,” he said to the Pharisee, “I have something to say to you.” “Go ahead, Teacher,” Simon replied. Then Jesus told him this story: “A man loaned money to two people—500 pieces of silver to one and 50 pieces to the other.  But neither of them could repay him, so he kindly forgave them both, canceling their debts. Who do you suppose loved him more after that?” Simon answered, “I suppose the one for whom he canceled the larger debt.” “That’s right,” Jesus said. Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Look at this woman kneeling here. When I entered your home, you didn’t offer me water to wash the dust from my feet, but she has washed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair.  You didn’t greet me with a kiss, but from the time I first came in, she has not stopped kissing my feet.  You neglected the courtesy of olive oil to anoint my head, but she has anointed my feet with rare perfume. “I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.”  Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven.” The men at the table said among themselves, “Who is this man, that he goes around forgiving sins?” And Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
Luke 7:36-50 NLT
http://bible.com/116/luk.7.36-50.NLT

Are you sowing seed, Christian? Is your life producing children of God? Are you even feeling any labor pains yet? Are you filled with the Holy Spirit today, or will your life prove barren and fruitless?

I don’t ask these things to shame you,  friend, unless we need to know shame and be humbled to repentance together. I have confidence that you arewalking upright,  friend,  and I only hope to encourage you to find value and purpose in each breath of life,  in every “now” that have available.

May His healing hand drive away any bitterness or unforgiven or sin of any kind that was keeping you separated from the love that He has to be poured out upon your life and spilled out onto those around you. May you know spiritual maturity,  and may these birth pains become familiar to you as well.

hballingerLeave a comment

Waiting Eagerly

Five years ago today, we were eagerly awaiting the arrival of our daughter. We knew that she was on her c way,  we knew that the time was drawing close. We had even caught shadowed glimpses of what she would look like in the scans and x-rays provided by the doctors. But we hadn’t yet held her with our own hands or seen her with our own eyes.

But we who live by the Spirit eagerly wait to receive by faith the righteousness God has promised to us. For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus, there is no benefit in being circumcised or being uncircumcised. What is important is faith expressing itself in love.
Galatians 5:5-6 NLT
http://bible.com/116/gal.5.5-6.NLT

And 5 years ago today,  little Mia was born.  And we became parents. We didn’t receive this new title and position of parent as an obligation,  but we received it with grattitude, because our blessing was clear and evident. And we only had an idea of the challenges and wonders and blessings and trials that would come as part of being parents, as we eagerly awaited the exciting new journey ahead of us.

As a parent,  life is changed and rearranged. All kinds of things take on new meaning and perspective. And the same is true of us who live by the Spirit. And living by the Spirit is different than trying to fulfill the law under our own power.

You see, someone can decide to try and follow the law by human effort, just as Abraham tried to fulfill Gods promise by sleeping with Hagar to bring forth a child,  but this was not God’s promise, this was not God’s will. This was not the work of the power of God,  but it was the striving of man. But when the time was right, God fulfilled His promise and through His power fulfilled it exactly as promised,  something that Abraham’s attempts on his own fell short of.

How often do we get caught up in trying to make it happen ourselves? How often do we want to rush things along so that we can feel responsible,  so that we can take credit,  so that we can feel like we made  a difference, instead of trusting Him and giving Him all of the credit?

I wonder how much of our lives are, spent in our own pride and vanity,  striving against the wind, versus how much of our life is faith expressing itself in love? I wonder how few might understand the difference? How few might find that narrow gate of faith in Jesus Christ that is the one true way? How many will be tricked and trapped and snared by the enemy instead?

We stand upon that great scale – but not just a scale of justice weighing our works – for our works will be tried by fire and only the things done with a pure heart will not be burned away – only those things done as faith expressing itself in love will survive the purifying fires. Those things done out of religious obligation, or out of manipulation in an attempt to gain favor or honor for oneself – they will be burned away. Because it is our heart that is weighed, so that no man might boast in His own works.

You see, the things weighed will be those things that Christ did through us when we were simply willing and equipped to be used by the Holy Spirit to do God’s will. It won’t be our own works of filthy rags,  but it will be His annointing that has been poured out through us into the lives of others.

And that is why we are eagerly awaiting to receive by faith the righteousness promised to us. Because if we think that we are already righteous,  have we closed our eyes on the work He is still doing and still has yet to complete in our reconciliation to be more like our teacher and instead thought much of ourselves even before our time has come? Have we fallen like the one third who saw their own beauty and forgot how they reflected the image of Christ and foolishly became prideful of themselves? Or have we kept our eyes set firmly upon Christ,  knowing that we are in comparison lowly sinners, so little different from the lost of this world other than our knowledge and faith in our Lord and Savior who is reconciling us to be more like Himself.

Yes, there is a perspective that is right before the Lord, and it is not one of pride,  but one of humility,  of mercy,  of servitude towards God and towards our fellow man. And this attitude is the result of grattitude,  of faith,  of trust in the undeserved gift of grace that He offers us. And we receive it not our of our empty religious practice or striving on our own, but we receive it through our faith producing love. That is the only worthy and blameless offering that we can lay upon the altar that will not be consumed by the refining fire, and it only comes through a relationship with Him,  through the Holy Spirit alive and moving and active in our lives.

So we wait eagerly,  those who rest our confidence in the Lord,  and who have abandoned any foolish confidence in ourselves.

hballingerLeave a comment

The Uncompromising face Opposition

I don’t seek to set myself in opposition to others,  my goal is to be a peacemaker – but I’m not going to compromise truth to please people – I’m not going to compromise on what the Word of God says, even when this puts me in opposition to others.

Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.
Galatians 1:10 NLT
http://bible.com/116/gal.1.10.NLT

And this doesn’t mean that I pick one type of sinning that is visible and easy to point out in someone else’s life and use it as a soap box to point fingers at them – seeking the approval of other people who also like pointing their fingers at the visible sin of others. It doesn’t mean that I pick up stones and ready myself to throw them at others, hoping to shed their blood because it is clearly evident in my own heart that the Lord has not accepted my own offering as worthy, as blameless, as a righteous sacrifice. No, I’m not too be the one slaughtering my brothers and sisters.

But I’m also not meant to be the one standing by and watching them as they are lead to the slaughter. Even when those who are not yet ready to receive or accept the truth, those who might react towards the truth with opposition – it is our purpose to sow the seed of the Good News of the gospel of Jesus Christ into their lives. And there is resistance from the enemy who does not want to see people raised to life, chains broken,  captives freed.

How many of us are satisfied with practicing religion as long as we don’t have to do our day anything that might make ourselves or others “uncomfortable”? How many of us are willing to talk about God in those circles  where it is comfortable and easy and “appropriate” – but not quite so comfortable when it might result in a response of opposition or disapproval?

Whose approval are we more interested in? Are we satisfied to hear their cries at judgement asking, “Why didn’t you tell me, why didn’t you help me?” Or is it even worse than that – are we the ones who are separated and led off into destruction who did not offer a drink of water to those who were thirsty and in need of the living waters that could save them?  Are we the ones who saw the danger coming and who did not sound the alarm to warn our brothers and sisters? Are we not our brother’s keeper?

Are we Christ’s servant? What are we doing to serve? What is our sacrifice?

Do not think that I am encouraging you to a life of works in order to earn favor with God,  friend. We will not earn favor through our works. But I am asking how we might have confidence that we are His servant if we are doing so very little to actually serve Him? Isn’t a lifesaver on a boat just a decoration until it is put into use? Can it truly claim to have made a difference if it goes down with the ship never having left it’s beautiful mounting place on the wall? Is it better that it remain beautifully mounted and clean on the wall for passengers to take pictures alongside of it, or for it to be cast into the dirty,  raging waters to save a life? Which is its purpose in life – to look the part or to serve the need?

So I ask,  do you cling to the idea of Christ,  to the idea of forgiveness, to the idea of grace – or do you cling to Christ Himself,  following in His footsteps, living as a faithful disciple? Do you just look the part in those religious circles but don’t live it out in the very circles where you could make a difference? Are you just playing Jesus,  but you have no real interest in being like Him? Are you good at talking about love,  but not so good at walking in love?

Yes, that’s me at times. At times I’m weary and I’m broken. Sometimes I need rest. Sometimes I need a little more love. And I find new strength in Christ. But we are not meant to remain in rest when life gets us down. We are meant to be lifted up and sent on mission into this world.

So today,  what do you need in order to get out there? What needs to be corrected for you to know His approval and to not concern yourself with the approval of others? Are you surrendered to His design,  His will,  His plan and purpose for your life?

hballingerLeave a comment

Waiting for rescue

image

The past weeks have been especially challenging. Sickness,  vehicles breaking down, the extra stress work of coordinating for my daughter’s birthday and the holidays, things at work seem to have been falling apart at a greater rate, multiple weekends in a row of late night maintenance work scheduled, more people hurting around us in deeper and more challenging ways. And the impact is cumulative,  almost like a snowball gathering up stream as it swells into an avalanche.

May God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. Jesus gave his life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live. All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.
Galatians 1:3-5 NLT
http://bible.com/116/gal.1.3-5.NLT

image

There is a camp who would tell me,  just think positively and you will see positive results. And I understand the dangers in letting our trials bring us down into the dumps emotionally, but instead of a concept of my own attitude having the power to change either my circumstances of my perspective,  I think that it’s safer if we let our trials draw us closer to the Lord and if we find peace and comfort in handing it over to Him. Yes, there is only a subtle difference between the two,  but it is an important one.

image

There is a difference between the blessings of grace and peace and the trappings of self confidence and pride. And it comes down to who we trust to have the strength to bring us through the trials. For those of us who have relied for so long on our own strength,  or own gifts, our own power to bring us through this life and it’s many challenges – sometimes it can be hard to hand it over to God instead of striving to be strong enough on our own.

And especially if we have historically thought of ourselves as a strong and confident person, when we start facing challenges and trials beyond our own control, it can either result in our watching our dreams be shattered as we continue to struggle on our own against the raging ride – or we can trust in the Lord and instead of resisting and insisting on our dreams and plans,  we can learn to be content in what He has in store for us.

Due to sickness, I’ve missed work,  I’ve had to cancel ministry plans, I’ve let down my coworkers, I’ve let down those counting on me for assistance, I’ve let down my family, and I’ve struggled to make it through the basics of each of these past several days as my body has just been too weak for the demands of this world. I don’t know what those consequences might be, I don’t know what opportunities might have been lost, I don’t know the weight being carried by others while I cannot bear it myself. In fact, it might be prideful for me to think that anyone would experience any noticeable extra burden due to my weakness, due to my absence. Maybe I need to be humbled by realizing how very unimportant and replaceable I am in each of those areas that my life touches.

You see,  I don’t yet understand the why behind my sickness. I don’t yet understand if there is a lesson to be learned immediately or if I will one day have my eyes opened to see the beauty of the whys behind all of the struggles and trials of this life. But I can know His grace and find peace and comfort in knowing that He is in control.

You see, I’m off the camp that believes that God is more interested in changing me than changing my circumstances. This is a different camp than those who believe that God is there to service their requests when they call upon His name. You see, one group is interested in crying out to a master that will give them what they want, while the other group is interested in crying out to a master that will teach them what He wants. And shouldn’t we wonder whether or not these two might be very different masters?

I’m so thankful for His grace,  for His peace, that He is rescuing us from this evil world. The tricks and traps of the enemy lie all around us. The enemy strides around, waiting for an opportunity to devour us. But we cannot be snatched from our Father’s hand. And what are the trials of this life in comparison to what awaits us on the other side of eternity?

Praise the Lord,  He is worthy of praise and honor and glory.

NOTE: Please extend some grace in reading my journal entry today. I’m still battling a cold and taking medicine. Today’s entry was probably a lot more of my own thoughts and concerns as opposed to message from the Holy Spirit & Word of God. Love y’all.

hballingerLeave a comment

Cheerfully?

You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”
2 Corinthians 9:7 NLT
http://bible.com/116/2co.9.7.NLT

Many will take this verse out of context as an excuse for their not giving at all or not tithing faithfully to the church. But if you read the context of this passage,  it isn’t about tithing,  but it is about a gift from their group to help another group in need. This is about a gift they had promised, and the time was drawing near for them to gather the gift for those in need.

This verse does not mean that “we don’t have to give if we don’t feel like it”. Just like the many passages about freedom do not mean “we don’t have to obey if we don’t feel convicted against it”. And there is nothing false in these statements alone,  because God does give you the opportunity to choose, but the answer (your choice) does speak to your heart, and there are different consequences depending on whether or not your heart is self centered or God centered.

You’re right. We don’t “have to” obey God. But do we also understand that there are consequences?

Do we understand yet that complying out of obligation doesn’t even meet the mark of living a life surrendered as a willing,  cheerful,  humble servant of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords?

Do we understand that our answers to these questions, about the state of our hearts, and the reasons behind our actions – can give us insight into the deceitfulness and trickery of our own thoughts and desires? It can help us examine ourselves to find out whether or not we are standing firm upon the foundation of Christ.

And who are we to measure ourselves by? Not one another. No,  that will only lead us into judgement, condemnation,  and pride. We are to measure ourselves against the way,  the truth,  the life of Jesus Christ – and finding ourselves insufficient,  we are to lean upon His grace and His righteousness.

At this point, let me interrupt for an important distinction. If you are relying upon grace to excuse your remaining a slave to sin – you must examine your heart closely,  because grace is no license to sin – cheap grace with no repentance is no grace at all and you do not yet know Christ. You may know “about” Christ,  but how can you claim that you know Him and He walks with you when you are still controlled by your true master? And if you have reached that state where you believe yourself righteous and walking in right standing with the Lord by the law – you must examine your heart closely,  because spiritual pride and good works is no stairway to heaven – sacrificial living with no love and mercy is empty religious practice from those who do not know God, those who do not desire to know Him closely and love Him personally.

So having said all of this, can we agree that at times in the past we have dolled ourselves about what being a Christ follower and believer means?  Can we now see why being a cheerful giver is the goal?

Can we speak spiritually for a moment about this subject as well?

If I am led to give because of obligation,  do you see how that can be flowing from a wrong spirit (shame, guilt, condemnation, etc)? If  I am led give so that others will think highly of me,  do you see how that can be flowing from a wrong spirit (pride, seeking honor from men,  etc)? If I am being led to give because I’m expecting payment in return, do you see how that can be flowing from a wrong spirit (manipulation, chasing worldly prosperity, etc)?

But isn’t it clear that if my reasons are loving God and loving others – and if I’m led to give out of grattitude for what, He has given me, isn’t it clear that I am being led by that Holy Spirit that bears the fruit that fulfills the law?

Yes, we have quickly let ourselves step into high minded words and thoughts about His ways,  about spiritual things, about those things so far above our own understanding – even while our actions humble us and keep us safely at the foot of the cross. Let’s not let such high thinking leave us anywhere but as a humble servant and follower of Jesus Christ, the Word of God come in the flesh to dwell among us, He who is from the beginning and who shall be evermore.

And knowing this,  believing this,  how could we not want to give generously and cheerfully? How could we cling to what is worthless and temporary – instead of clinging solely to Christ who is our portion and our prize eternal?

We must examine our hearts,  friends. And when we k know our heart is not quite right,  when we realize that we fall short of the mark,  we should continue to pray for growth and healing in that area of our lives – we should talk with Him and walk with Him, under His guidance both in heartfelt prayer and in earnest seeking through the written Word of God. He is here,  He is available to us,  friend. Our life choices are opportunities to be drawn closer to Him by leaning to Him – or to choose separation.

I hope we will lean to Him today, friends. I hope we will know the love of His annointing of the Holy Spirit and that we will pour out His love into the world through our cheerful giving,  through generosity,  through charity, through seeing the needs of the world and not turning away.

May we be cheerfully generous, friends.